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Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:
Mr. Lawrence Vogel

Dale L Weir August 19, 2000 I wish to introduce and nominate Mr. Dale L. Weir for a position on the Wall of Honor. Born November 10, 1947 in La Grande, Oregon Dale enlisted in the U.S. Army Aviation Warrant Officer program (helicopter) and served from 1969 to 1973. He currently works for Columbia Helicopters in Aurora, Oregon and has done much pioneering work in civil helicopter operations. His total flight time is over 15,000 hours with type ratings in the BV-107 Vertol, BV-234 Chinook, SK-64 Skycrane and Super Puma.

Highlights of his career are as follows.

1. Distinguished Graduate of Army Aviation School in 1970. Eventually attaining the rank of CW2.

2. Awarded the Army Commendation Medal in March 1971.

3. Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in April 1971 for saving his crewmembers from his downed helicopter while severely wounded.

4. The Air Medal in December 1970.

5. Participated in relief airlift to earthquake stricken Managua, Nicaragua January 1973.

6. In July of 1982 Dale was pilot-in-command of a BV-107 Vertol that towed a 220 ton barge over the ice in Alaska (see enclosed article). At a 35 degree nose down attitude line tension reached 14,000 lbs.

7. Highest time helicopter pilot (as of this date) in multiple Heavy Lift helicopters.

8. Now has over 15,000 accident and violation free hours in helicopters.

9. Holder of a world record for hovering over one spot with an external load for over one hour.

Dale continues to work in the helicopter industry professionally and pursues fixed wing aviation as a hobby.